//------------------------------//
// Begining of a lesson 
// Story: Natureshy: RotE Episode 11 
// by Dream Volt 
//------------------------------//

	Angel hated Thorax.  He didn't like Ice either, but Angel was so bad I left him with Sky.  They would just spend all our practice time glaring at the purple winged ponies, but Angel always focused more on Thorax.  In fact most animals seemed to instantly dislike him for some reason.  It was like his special talent was offending animals.  Thorax was so sweet to me and other ponies too.  Ice was nice too though she seemed really frustrated with Thorax sometimes.  The two black flutterponies were the two with the queen earlier.  Except their wings changed to match her purple monarch wings, but they looked the same otherwise and seemed to recognize us.  Maybe she left them in this area this whole time?  The black flutterponies both had that almost too perfect look to them.  

Rarity was training with Wynn just like Trixie, but today we were all together.  For some reason the flutterponies refused to enter the village, so we were always outside it somewhere.  I wasn't sure why it's not that dangerous what they're teaching.  Angel and Sky were sitting a good distance away glaring at the blood flutterponies in silence just like I asked them if they wanted to stay.

"Illusion."  Said Ice  "While not our greatest skill…"

"Which is…" Began Thorax

Ice smacked him hard, then glared down at him.  "One thing.  One thing we're supposed to hide and you can't do that?"

"One thing, I thought that was that we eat…"

Ice shoved her hoof in his mouth.  "Okay fine, it's two.  Back to the point, illusion."

Trixie scoffed.  "Trixie needs no instruction from the likes of you.  Trixie knows more than any hole fillies garble metzer mash."  She blinked.  "The forgetful and embarrassed Trixie for a moment did not consider the annoying geas."

"I still don't understand what either of you do." Said Rarity.  "Especially you Ice.  You call yourself an artist, but I cannot figure what you actually design."

"I told you looks.  Like whole body looks, everything from hair to dresses to cu…er."

"Cuticles?" I asked

"I sincerely doubt that." Said Rarity  "While good hygene is important to look your best, it isn't really a matter of design."

"Cute, mar, er masks."  Thorax nodded.  "Yea, cute masks, you know, if needed."

Ice face hooved.  "How in the world are you the smartest one in the hive I will never understand.  I agree with the queen there must be something wrong with your DNA somehow.  There just has to be."

Thorax smiled.  "Nope, I'm just that smart.  The biomancers even confirmed it."

"I still can't believe they actually did."

"Perhaps we should actually get to the lesson?" asked Rarity

"The great and powerful Trixie will repeat that she needs no help."

"Well that's not why you're here."  Ice sighed  "You're here because you two are good at illusions and I could use the help explaining this."

"Hey, I helped." Said Thorax

She nodded.  "Yes, I still don't understand how, but somehow, you need to think more fluffy, was the right advice to help the high queen with the flower color changing spell yesterday.  Somehow."

Then there was a green glow and Thorax looked like Celestia.  Well for a second, then it faded being a faint image hiding Thorax.  It was only then I suddenly realized there was some sort of image over his eyes too.

"Wait, does that mean you hide your real eyes but I can see them?"

"Trixie would hide those horrible green things too if she had them."

"I think they're interesting.  I have some lovely dress ideas to accent them actually."

"They can all see thorough the glamour?" asked Thorax

Ice nodded.  "Well that's not good."  She then shook her head.  "I mean that's not good cause that's great.  Saves me a whole bunch of time."

"I guess but doesn't this mean that…" Began Thorax

Ice's horn lit up and with a green flash Thorax's mouth vanished.  "Oh look at that, your mouth sealed up for no reason.  Sorry, I gotta cut this short for now, don't want the poor little guy to suffocate.  We'll be back in the afternoon."

Then she was gone, flying away carrying Thorax by one leg.  We all just stared at them leaving.  What was that about?  Trixie then stood and smiled.

"Forget those fools.  Trixie thinks we haven't really had time to share what we've learned.  Trixie suddenly has free time so let us share."

"Let me guess." Said Sky, walking closer.  "You first?"

"Of course not.  Save the best for last after all.  Trixie is sure you should go first, but isn't sure beyond that.  The skilled and knowledgeable Trixie of course has learned so little it won't be that impressive as her full skill set, so perhaps Fluttershy right after Trixie?"

"I have been making progress."  Said Rarity, then sighed.

"Yes, but Trixie is also aware you have precious little to show for it."

Angel rolled his eyes.  "Oh like you're really doing much better you egotistical blue palooka.  Fluttershy is a pegasus and more great and powerful than you."

"That sounded hostile." Said Sky

Trixie turned to Sky, seeming to look at Angel on her head.  "Now you listen here you second rate pooka.  Trixie is sick of you insulting her, Trixie doesn’t care…"

"Youse can understand me?" Angel asked

"Of course the talented and genius Trixie can understand you.  Now you listen to Trixie and listen close.  Trixie…"

"What?" Angel and I echoed.

Trixie rolled her eyes.  "Trixie would think with such large ears…"

"Trixie." Said Rarity.  "I believe you are missing the point.  While you called it boring, there were several interesting and important points raised when Fluttershy explained everything.  Most pertinent is Angel being more than he appears."

"But she never used the word pooka." Added Sky  "And she also mentioned that he is using fey speak."

"Trixie knows that.  She also understands it.  Trixie admits she can't speak it herself, but the magical principals behind it aren't that complex."

"So youse can just hear me without even no fancy spell.  Like the fey themselves?"

"Of course.  Trixie knew that those weird noises sounded too much like a conversation, and she proved it.  Trixie really did have gremlins in her wagon.  Trixie is not sure exactly how she figured it out, but not all genius can be easily explained."

"This is, odd."  Rarity shook her head.  "I mean Pinkie's our friend and this is still odd.  To think Angel is as intelligent as any pony."

Angel laughed.  "I wouldn’t say any pony."  He turned to Trixie.  "But there are sure a few even little unimportant me beats paws down in the brains department."

"Angel bunny, that was rude.  Apologize." I glared at him

Trixie turned up her nose.  "Don't bother rodent.  Trixie has no need of anything from you, especially not forgiveness."

"Trixie." Sky and I said at the same time.  Sky was much louder.

"Good, cause I sure ain't giving you one."

"Angel Bunny, no.  You will apologize."

Angel twitched.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't mean it at all, you have lots of faults but you seem to be a smart enough dame."

Trixie and I both just stared.  Sky and Rarity just looked confused.  Then I suddenly got what I just did.  I flew over and grabbed Angel off Sky's head and hugged him tight to my chest.

"Oh Angel, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to do that to you I just…"

"That weren't your power, least not exactly.  Or at least not what yer thinking of.  It's you being high queen and me being fey.  That's all it was."

"But I still didn't mean to.  Oh Angel I…"

"Boo."

I screamed.  I dropped Angel and tried to fly away but the pony was still right there.  Then I realized it was just Sky.  She looked a little dizzy now, and was sticking halfway out of my shadow.  I blinked.  Rarity smiled.  I felt a lot calmer already, but was still hyperventilating a little.

"As you can see dear, your sister has made excellent progress with a not so little trick.  Shadow walking seems very versatile even if right now her range is very short."

Sky flew out of my shadow.  "But I'm getting better.  It's too bad Luna is so far away.  She's a master at it according to her journals."

"Oh yes it is very far, isn't it?" I said  "It seems like the nation of the bat ponies should at least be near Equestria."

"Hmmm?"  Rarity, titled her head.

"Oh, I just wanted to talk to somepony about all this."

"Sorry I could not be more help." Said Rarity

"I really wish I could at least explain about Chrysalis but I just can't." added Sky

"I wish I had more advice darling, but sadly at the moment I have no advice to offer beyond don't panic.  That is the one thing I'm sure won't help."

"Are you really sure?" I asked

"Positive.  Now, lets see if I can at least show off enough you can tell."

Rarity walked over to some trees.  She passed behind them and at the end of a row of five vanished then she came out from behind the first.  I clapped and Trixie did the same.  Angel and Sky followed a moment later.  I don't think Angel was making much noise, but it was really cute.

"The great and powerful Trixie shall now dazzle you with…"

"One thing.  Pick one thing." Said Sky

Trixie rolled her eyes.  "Fine, Trixie will limit herself, after all Rarity learned more than one thing as well, and we wouldn't want to be unfair to you."

"Oh my, does that mean I can only show you all one thing?  I don't know what to choose and I…"

"Trixie does not what to hear it.  Your sister made the rule so we all must follow it to be fair.  Trixie will show you her best new spell."

I tried to pay attention but I was just so worried.  Oh what if I chose the wrong thing and upset Rarity or Sky.  Rarity seems a little jealous even though her magic is getting stronger too when ever she talks about how much power I have she gets this odd look I don't like.  Wait, could I upset Angel somehow?  So much pressure.